Letter: Fathers should protect children’s future

Mother’s Day is a day that is special it seems to everyone. While Father’s Day doesn’t get the same respect.

Isn’t it a shame that fathers don’t get the same love and respect. But based on the facts, they don’t deserve it. You hear things like “my father was abusive,” “my father was an alcoholic,” or maybe you’ll hear “my father left my mother when I was little.”

Children are our future! We, as men, must be more than just the “sperm donors.”

It is a father’s duty and responsibility to take care of his children, no matter what! Even, if you and the mother don’t see eye to eye.

I hear fathers saying “I pay child support.” Ok, but have you told your children that you love them? Can they call you when there’s a problem? Do you call or visit them? Do you spend time with them? It’s a well known fact that you have more time than money.

Any father that won’t invest and protect his child’s future is a dumb man!

Case in point: NBA superstar, Shaquille O’Neal’s natural father left his mother when he was only 3 years old. His mother met another man who was willing to step in and help raise her children as his own and because of that, Shaq is in the NBA and his step-father is reaping what he sowed, with new cars and millions of dollars to spend. But can you imagine how terrible the natural father must feel to see his son on TV and know that he is now worth millions of dollars. Since he walked away from his children he doesn’t get to share in Shaq’s success. No money, no fame! It must be a very sick feeling, but you reap what you sow!